Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says he’s recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St. Louis’ World Series roster.

“I’m happy with where I’m at,” the Cal product said Sunday. “No complaints. I’m happy to be on the roster and give it a shot, so I’m really excited.”

Craig hasn’t played since Sept. 4 because a left mid-foot sprain. He anticipates being the designated hitter in Wednesday night’s Series opener at the Boston Red Sox.

“I think all indications are pointing that way,” Craig said. “I haven’t been told, ‘Hey, you’re on the roster,’ but given my progress, I think I’m in a good spot.”

It’s basically a no-lose proposition because the Cardinals could replace Craig if he re-injured the foot. General manager John Mozeliak said doctors believe Craig is progressed to the point he’s not risking a major setback.

“He’s such a prolific hitter it’s definitely worth the chance,” Mozeliak said. “My understanding is he’s swinging the bat pretty well. If nothing else, he adds a little pop off that bench.”

Craig hasn’t tested the foot on defense yet, but he wouldn’t have to play first base until the Series moves to Busch Stadium for Game 3 on Saturday. Craig is wearing an orthotic device in his shoe and said there was “nothing super-special” about precautionary measures.

Craig batted a major league-best .454 during the regular season with runners in scoring position. “He’s another force in that lineup,” manager Mike Matheny said. “So, if we can have him we’ll be excited.”

Red Sox: Koji Uehara wasn’t Boston’s first choice to be closer this season. Or the second.

The 38-year-old right-hander got the job after neither Joel Hanrahan nor former A’s All-Star Andrew Bailey lasted as closer. Uehara was setting up for them before he inherited the ninth-inning role in late June, and by October he was the A.L. championship series MVP.

“All I can say that I’m extremely, extremely happy right now,” he said after the Red Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 5-2 in Game 6 of the ALCS on Saturday night to advance to the World Series.

Uehara pitched a scoreless ninth in the clincher, giving him three saves and a victory in the four wins Boston needed to win the A.L. pennant for the third time in 10 years. After converting 21 of 24 save opportunities in the regular season with a 1.09 ERA, he is five of five while allowing one run in nine innings in the playoffs.

A person familiar with the hearing, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Manfred testified the sport wasn’t concerned whether Bosch distributed performance-enhancing drugs to minors because MLB’s interest was his relationship with players under investigation.

Joseph Tacopina, one of Rodriguez’s lawyers, said in a statement Sunday that, “… Mr. Manfred knows that he has not accurately described his testimony. We therefore call on him to put forward his full testimony at the hearing about his and commissioner Selig’s knowledge of, and relative regard for, Mr. Bosch’s dealing performance enhancing drugs to minors at the time MLB struck its cooperation and indemnity deal with Mr. Bosch.”

Compounding the 49ers’ 0-3 start is that their past two defeats have come against NFC West rivals. Up next is another division opponent Sunday, when the 49ers visit the Arizona Cardinals. Here are some answers to pressing questions: Did Hoyers second half performance save him from a benching this season? — Far Side of Sports (@FarSideOfSports) September 25, 2017 At...